Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Nov 8, 2018
Date Accepted: Jun 10, 2019
Behaviour Change Techniques in Fitness Trackers to Increase Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviour
ABSTRACT
Background:
The use of fitness trackers as tools of self-management to promote physical activity is increasing. However, the content of fitness trackers remain largely unexplored.
Objective:
This study used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) to examine if swim-proof fitness trackers below AUD$150 incorporate behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that relate to self-management strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour, and to determine if they correspond to physical activity guidelines.
Methods:
Two raters used the BCTTv1 to code six fitness trackers that met inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were the ability to track activity, swim-proof, compatible with Android and Apple operating systems, and cost below AUD$150.
Results:
All fitness trackers contained BCTs known to promote physical activity, with the most frequently used BCTs overlapping with self-management strategies including goal setting, self-monitoring and feedback on behaviour. Fitbit Flex 2 contained the most BCTs at 20. Huawei Band 2 Pro and Misfit Shine 2 contained the least BCTs at 11.
Conclusions:
Fitness trackers contain evidence-based BCTs that overlap with self-management strategies, which have been shown to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour. Fitness trackers offer the prospect for physical activity interventions that are cost-effective and easily accessed by a wide population.
Citation
